Cervical cancer screening during the COVID-19 Crisis: Africa view point

There are approximately 570,000 cases of cervical cancer and 311,000 deaths from cervical cancer globally (1). Approximately 70% of cancer deaths occur in low and middle income countries and cervical cancer is the most common cancer in Africa (2). Therefore cervical cancer screening saves lives by early detection of cases for early management. While the COVID-19 crisis continues to cause unprecedented health and economic burden, health workers should look to it that there is continuity of care to vulnerable groups during this crisis. Mostly non-urgent health appointments have been cancelled in the wake of COVID-19. Bearing in mind the mortality rate related to cervical cancer, cervical cancer screening should be incorporated in the COVID-19 containment strategy. However COVID-19 preventive measures should be put in place during the efforts of providing cervical cancer screening as directed by the health authorities.